Flaky Egg Tarts with Creamy Custard Filling – A Classic Treat

These homemade egg tarts are a true delight, combining a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth and creamy custard filling. Each bite offers the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The flaky tart shell is layered and delicate, while the egg custard filling is silky and subtly sweet, with hints of vanilla. Whether you enjoy them warm or chilled, these egg tarts are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic egg tart with its combination of a flaky homemade pastry and a smooth custard filling. The steps are simple, and the use of cold butter and multiple folds in the dough ensures that your tart shells will be perfectly crisp and layered. The custard is made with simple ingredients but delivers a luxurious, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the golden, buttery shell. These tarts are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a special tea-time treat or a dessert for family gatherings.

Perfect Occasion:

These egg tarts are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a special dessert to serve after dinner. They also make an excellent treat for parties, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something homemade and delicious. The light, flaky crust and creamy filling make them a great option for both casual and formal occasions, as they are easy to transport and can be served warm or cold.

Decoration Tips:

To give your egg tarts a polished and elegant look, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish them with fresh fruit slices, such as strawberries or raspberries, to add a pop of color. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can drizzle a bit of caramel or honey over the tarts for added sweetness. For a more decadent touch, a light glaze made from apricot jam can be brushed over the tops of the tarts after baking to give them a shiny finish.

Ingredients:

For the Tart Shell:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup very cold butter, cubed or grated
• ½ cup cold water

For the Egg Tart Filling:

• 6 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups milk

Instructions:

For the Tart Shell:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Grate the cold butter or chop it into small cubes, then add it to the flour mixture. Mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until the butter is mostly absorbed, but small pieces remain. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
2. Add Water and Form the Dough:
   Gradually add cold water to the mixture and gently combine until the dough just begins to come together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly, then shape it into a rectangle.
3. Create Flaky Layers:
   Fold the dough like an envelope by folding the edges toward the center. Then, fold it in half. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Repeat this folding process 4-5 times, refrigerating the dough for 15 minutes between each fold to create layers for a flaky crust.
4. Shape the Tart Shells:
   After the final chill, cut the dough according to the size of your tart molds. Press the dough into each mold, ensuring that it fits snugly against the sides. Chill the prepared tart shells while making the filling.

For the Egg Tart Filling:

1. Prepare the Custard:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
2. Fill and Bake the Tarts:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the custard filling into the chilled tart shells, filling them nearly to the top. Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tart shells are golden brown.
3. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the egg tarts to cool completely before serving. For best results, enjoy them slightly warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Enjoy your perfectly flaky and creamy egg tarts—a delicious treat that’s sure to impress!